Bowye History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Bowye

What does the name Bowye mean?

The ancient Dalriadan kingdom consisted of the Hebrides islands, and the rugged mountains of Scotland west coast. The name Bowye began in this region; it was a nickname for a person with fair hair. The surname Bowie is derived from the Gaelic word buidhe, which was used to describe a person with blonde hair. The surname Bowie is also derived from the Scottish Gaelic personal name Bowen, which refers to the son of Owen.

Early Origins of the Bowye family

The surname Bowye was first found in Kintyre, where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the Bowye family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bowye research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bowye History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bowye Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, Bowye has been spelled Bowie, Bowey, Bowy, Bouwie, Bouwey, Bouwy, Bouwy, Bawie, Bawey and many more.

Early Notables of the Bowye family

More information is included under the topic Early Bowye Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Bowye family to Ireland

Some of the Bowye family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bowye migration to the United States +

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The Bowye were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records:

Bowye Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Sarah Bowye, who settled in Maryland in 1719

The Bowye Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Coelestia seqor
Motto Translation: I follow heavenly things.